Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to facilitate artificial rain in the national capital to address the deteriorating air quality.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to convene an emergency meeting and grant NOC for cloud seeding to induce artificial rains

“A Medical Emergency”

Rai highlighted the severe air pollution crisis, with Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to an alarming 494 under the ‘severe plus’ category. Despite strict measures under GRAP IV, some air monitoring stations reported AQI levels reaching the maximum of 500. “Layers of smog have covered North India. Artificial rain is the only solution to get rid of smog. This is a medical emergency,” Rai said during a press conference.

Criticism of Central Government

Rai criticized Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for inaction, stating that despite four letters sent since August, no meeting has been convened to discuss artificial rain. “PM Modi should ask his Environment Minister to act or resign. It is his moral responsibility to provide a solution,” he asserted.

Measures Implemented by Delhi Government

The Delhi government has already enforced several pollution-curbing measures:
• Vehicle bans: Prohibited BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.
• Traffic restrictions: Banned trucks and diesel buses entering Delhi.
• School closures: Suspended classes for grades 10 and below.
• Office timings: Introduced staggered office hours.
• Potential odd-even scheme: Examining the feasibility of reducing vehicle usage through odd-even regulations.

Additionally, the government is exploring work-from-home options to further curb vehicular emissions.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Pollution

The appeal for artificial rain came a day after the Supreme Court directed Delhi-NCR authorities to maintain GRAP Stage 4 restrictions, even if the AQI dropped below 450, citing delayed implementation of pollution control measures.

What Is Artificial Rain?

Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, involves dispersing chemicals like silver iodide or potassium iodide into clouds to stimulate precipitation. The process, which takes approximately 30 minutes to induce rain, has been considered a viable solution to combat extreme smog conditions.

Previous Appeals for Artificial Rain

In November 2023, the Delhi government approached the Supreme Court to explore the possibility of artificial rain but was directed to seek the Centre’s approval instead. Rai’s latest appeal emphasizes the urgency of implementing this measure to alleviate the pollution crisis in Delhi.